China by TGV

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Beijing: arrival - transfer - Tian'anmen Square - Temple of Heaven

  Arrival in Beijing. Depending on your arrival flight, you will be greeted at the airport by your French-speaking guide and transferred to the city. Visit of Tian'anmen Square, the largest square in the world. Walk in the Temple of Heaven, remarkable for the architectural beauty of the Hall of Prayer. The park is mainly a meeting place for locals: gymnastics, folk dances, local opera, etc. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.

• day 2

  Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall - Hutong

  Excursion day to the Mutianyu Great Wall, much less crowded than Badaling or Juyongguan. In addition, it is equipped with a cable car and a toboggan (to be paid on site), which makes it suitable for elderly people and young people. Stroll on foot in the old Hutong district; discover, with your guide, one of the ten most beautiful Hutongs in Beijing, Yandai Xiejie. If you wish, it is possible to rent a bike on site for a tour of the old city. Evening: Kung Fu show (optional).

• day 3

  Beijing: Summer Palace - Forbidden City - Coal Hill - Tea Ceremony

  Excursion to the Summer Palace and its imperial garden. It is considered the "Versailles of China." Climb to the Pavilion of the Fragrance of Buddha to enjoy the magnificent view of the lake. In the afternoon, visit the Forbidden City, also called the "Imperial Palace." Especially, our guide will accompany you through the museum of imperial treasures: a relatively quiet corner of this city, where you will discover immense jade sculptures, golden stupas, etc. Climb to Coal Hill, which offers, from its summit, a panoramic view of the old city and all of Beijing. Tea tasting in a tea house, which is an integral part of Chinese culture.

• day 4

  Pingyao: Train to Pingyao - Old Town

  Transfer to the station, high-speed train to Pingyao (4h30). Dating from the Ming dynasty and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is well preserved and surrounded by its ramparts. It does not have an old town, because the whole city is an old town. Welcome and afternoon city tour: the ramparts, the Rishengchang bank, considered the first bank in China, the Yamen (town hall), the Confucius temple, Ming and Qing street, etc. A truly classic and authentic China, wonderfully preserved! Experience a night in a traditional "Guesthouse" in the heart of Pingyao.

• day 5

  Pingyao/Xi'an: Double Forest Temple - Qiao Family Residence

  Excursion to visit the Qiao family residence, where the film "Raise the Red Lantern" was shot. Then, visit to the Shuanglin Temple, with its beautiful Buddha statues. In the late afternoon, transfer to the station and high-speed train to Xian (2h40). Welcome and check-in at the hotel.

• day 6

  Xi'an: Terracotta Army - 8th Wonder of the World

  Then, departure for a visit to the archaeological excavations of the Terracotta Army (40 km, 1h), which are part of the funerary complex of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang Di (3rd century BC). Do not miss the famous bronze chariots, nicknamed the "kings of bronze". Return to the city. Stop at the square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to experience the lively atmosphere of the city. Evening: dumpling banquet and show of dances and music from the Tang dynasty (optional).

• day 7

  Xi'an/Luoyang: Ramparts - Old Town - Luoyang - Longmen Caves

  A short walk on the Xi'An city walls turns out to be of great beauty. You can rent a bike on site for this ride (pay on site). Discover the old town, the liveliest district of the city. Transfer to the North station to take the TGV (1h40) to Luoyang. Welcome and visit to the Longmen Caves, which house the most important and impressive collection of plastic art in China, dating from the last period of the Northern Wei dynasty to the Tang dynasty (493-907). Then check-in and overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  Luoyang: Shaolin Monastery - Kung-fu Show - High-speed train to Shanghai

  Road to the Shaolin Monastery, visit of the pavilions and the stele garden. Kung-Fu demonstration show. Continue on the road to the station to take the high-speed train (5h30) to Shanghai. Arrival and welcome by your guide, transfer to the hotel in Shanghai. Night in Shanghai.

• day 9

  Shanghai: Old Town - Yu Garden - Jade Buddha Temple - Museum - Xintiandi - Bund - Nanjing Road

  Visit to the Yu Garden (16th century), located in the heart of the old city and its pedestrian alleys lined with traditional shops. Visit to the Shanghai Museum (closed every Monday), located next to Renmin Square (People's Square), as well as the Jade Buddha Temple, the most famous in Shanghai. Stops are planned at the former sites of the French Concession district (Xin Tian Di), a chic nightlife area with many shops, pubs, and restaurants. Stroll along the "Bund," the center of administrative and commercial activities of the time, offering a magnificent view of the port and along the river. Then, a walk in Nanjing Road, the first pedestrian shopping street in China. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 10

  Shanghai - Return

  Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Shanghai airport for the return flight. End of trip in China or customized quote (extended stay, etc.).